River Carping

Well the all important JUNE 16th is upon us and the beginning of a new river fishing season beckons lots of people to target the nomadic river carp.

Because of the very nature of their home environment, these fish are more powerful than their lake counterparts.

To find these elusive fish you have to put the time in, but it's well worth the effort, always remember these fish can move up and down stream.

The most famous river carp here in Nottinghamshire is the Trent Ghosti - a pond fish that out-grew his original home.

One minute people say he's dead, the next he's been caught by a secret angler that doesn't want hoards of potential poachers trying to remove him to a pond where only a few can pit their wits against him. Well that seems to be the consensus of opinions from the anglers I speak to.

The carp are very hit and miss at the mo' - some have spawned while others have tried and failed. But as usual, its being in the right place at the right time. But please remember to reel in and enjoy the fish spawning as its a magical experience not witnessed by many in their lifetime.

If its safe to do - paddle out and watch the 20 and 30lb fish chase each other till near death before reaching the climax as the female releases her eggs and half a dozen males jump on board !

Like I said, watch and observe, but please reel in - as you might foul hook a couple and cause them to pick up an infection which in some cases might cause them to die.

The year so far...
I've had a hit and miss year so far, doing well one trip and blanking on the next. As you've read on the archive items, I had 11 fish from 14 runs at Les Quis on the moody Elf Lake. But somehow I had 6 twenties up to 26lb+ lost two to snags and one to a hook pull. The bait that time was the awesome rosehip from Mistral Baits. This bait is also not liked by the infamous crayfish or the Poisson Chat !

Wherever you go remember your permit and rod licence !

Tight lines

Dave Williams

Questions
If you have any questions for me, don't hesitate to drop me a line via e/mail on david.williams257@ntlworld.com. Please keep them brief and to the point and I'll do my best to answer them for you. Please mention AnglersTimes.co.uk when you respond.

Tight lines chaps

Dave Williams